Driving Enjoy camping at a restful campsite outside the bustle of D.C., but close enough to the action to see it all. Pick a local campground as home base and then use their convenient shuttle services to access Washington D.C.’s great Metro system. Or take advantage of the tours offered by several of the larger campgrounds to visit the highlights of government and history in the Capitol. Either way, your family will love the convenience and comfort of your rented motorhome as they learn why Washington D.C. draws millions of visitors each year. Visit KOA’s D.C. page for campground suggestions. Here’s another park close to D.C. that offers shuttle service to campers: Cherry Hill Park. No matter where you set up camp, a trip to Washington D.C. offers RV campers dozens of exciting destinations to explore. Here are just a few of the places we suggest you visit while you’re here:
National Parks
There simply isn’t enough room on this page (or on several pages!) to describe the exciting National Parks sites to be found in Washington D.C. But we’re going to give it a try by giving a quick National Parks tour by area.
The National Mall is, of course, the best known area in the Capitol. This beautiful stretch of parkland in the heart of D.C. contains America’s most beloved national monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Washington Monument, the beautiful new World War II Memorial and the haunting Korean War Veteran’s Memorial. Easily accessible by Metro Rail, the National Mall is a fabulous place for you and your family to start your D.C. tour.
Just beyond the Washington Monument, you’ll find one of the most famous areas in the country, the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic District. Home of the White House, this area is the site of parades, ceremonies and protests, as well as millions of visitors each year.
If your RV camping tribe loves to get out in nature, you can make them happy in Washington D.C., as well. Rock Creek Park is a beautiful natural setting right in the middle of urban D.C. that houses a nature center, planetarium and hundreds of acres of trails and green space. While you’re there, be sure to visit the National Zoo, which is located right next to Rock Creek.
Meridian Hill Park in northwest Washington D.C. is also under the care of the Parks Service and features gorgeous fountains and park settings. Plan to attend one of the ranger-led tours for an in-depth look at this urban parkland.
Campers looking for hiking and biking opportunities will love the C&O National Historic Park. Heading north out of Georgetown, this former canal tow path runs more than one hundred eighty miles along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Stop along the way to learn about the early history of the canal, and plan to have lunch at one of the taverns along the way.
Serious cyclists are also going to want to ride the Mount Vernon National Scenic Trail, which runs 18.5 miles from Mount Vernon to Great Falls Park. With wonderful views of the Potomac, a side trip to Theodore Roosevelt Island and almost a dozen historic sites along the way, this Trail is definitely worth the effort.
Washington D.C.’s National Parks are a vacation in themselves! Immerse yourself in history, art and natural beauty by visiting them on your RV vacation. Here’s the best site for more information about this area’s National Parks http://www.nps.gov/state/dc/.
Washington DC State Parks
Numerous State Parks border the Washington D.C. area in Maryland and Virginia, so get ready for plenty of outdoor fun. Cunningham Falls State Park in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland is a photographer’s paradise, with scenic trails and a 
seven-story waterfall!
Just thirty minutes from D.C. in Virginia, nature lovers have the chance to see dozens of bald eagles at Mason Neck State Park. Hiking, canoeing and picnicking are favorite activities there, so be sure to pack a great lunch before you head there in your rented RV.
Here’s one more idea: Westmoreland State Park, just south of Washington D.C. in eastern Virginia, has gorgeous scenery from Horsehead Cliffs along the Potomac.
There’s a State Park for every taste within a short drive from the Capitol. Visit the monuments, then pack up the RV and head for an outdoor experience. It all starts with an RV rental from El Monte RV, and we’re here to help make that happen!
Major Attractions and Events
As you visit the National Mall, you’ll soon discover a fantastic variety of museums. The world-renowned Smithsonian Institution offers visitors nineteen museums to explore, as well as numerous research centers. Take our word for it; you’re going to need more than one day to see the Smithsonians! The vast Air and Space Museum and the fascinating Museum of American History are each worth several days’ study. Youngsters won’t believe the variety of exhibits created with them in mind at the Natural History Museum. Pick your favorites and plan to come back soon to see the rest!
Once you’ve done the Smithsonians, why not burn off energy in the great outdoors? The Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Maryland is a quick drive from the Capitol. Outfitters there can set up the entire family for rafting or kayaking adventures.
If your RV troupe prefers music, food and culture, use the great D.C. Metro Rail system to explore the ethnic neighborhoods of our Capitol City. In Chinatown, you’ll find restaurants, shops and a beautiful arch welcoming visitors to the area. Take a stroll, or a canal boat ride, through trendy Georgetown, where the rich, famous and powerful come to relax. Grown-ups with a passion for street art and soul food will love the Adams Morgan neighborhood, an eclectic blend of history and progress.
During baseball season, take the kids to a Georgetown University Colonials game. This urban university boasts some great stadium action! Be sure to pack your RV kitchen with burgers and dogs for tailgating time in the parking lot.
Down the road in Dover, Delaware, NASCAR fans can watch racing legends in action. Dover International Speedway is a terrific spot to try out your tailgate cooking skills. Travelling by motorhome makes it simple!
For RV trips during NFL football season, why not take in a game with the Washington Redskins or the Baltimore Ravens? What could be better to round off your trip to the Capitol than a day of football excitement and tailgate party fun?
Are you ready to get this trip started? Pick up the phone and call us to book your D.C. RV rental. Spend your hours chasing history and culture, or make this your most active vacation ever, either way you’re going to love coming home each day to the luxury of a motorhome. To make it even better, here’s a short list of other activities to pursue in the area: